The Ktunaxa Nation, which for 25 years has battled plans to build a massive ski resort on land that is considered sacred, will make its case to Canada’s top court with a freedom of religion argument that could set a precedent for indigenous people worldwide.
The Supreme Court of Canada has agreed to hear the Ktunaxa appeal of a 2012 decision by the B.C. government to approve plans by Glacier Resorts Ltd. for a 6,250 bed, all-season ski resort on Crown land in the Purcell Mountains, about 55 kilometres west of Invermere.
Plans called for Jumbo Glacier Resort to be built at the foot of Jumbo Glacier in an area known as Qat’muk by the Ktunaxa who believe it is where the Grizzly Bear Spirit was born, goes to heal itself and returns to the spirit world. That means it is an area where Ktunaxa people receive strength and guidance and they believe the development would desecrate the sacred area.